Saudi Arabia gaming revenues reached $1.2 billion in 2024, representing 20% of the total gaming revenue in the MENA region. This growth aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to transform gaming and esports into major economic sectors. As the global gaming market continues to expand, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a key player in the sector.
The Gaming Industry’s Rapid Growth
The global gaming market generated over $187 billion in 2024, with a 2% year-on-year growth. Consequently, gaming is the fastest-growing entertainment sector, surpassing industries like film, live sports, and music. With over 2.85 billion gamers worldwide, the sector continues to grow rapidly. Saudi Arabia is seizing this opportunity by aligning its Vision 2030 strategy with the booming global gaming market to become a leading force in the industry.
As the industry grows, its universal appeal drives innovation and audience engagement. Therefore, Saudi Arabia plans to capitalize on this potential, boosting its gaming sector’s footprint in the international market.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision for Gaming Success
In 2024, Saudi Arabia’s gaming market generated $1.19 billion. Projections indicate it will reach $1.64 billion by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2%. The Kingdom’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy (NGES) is a key driver behind this growth. The strategy aims to create 39,000 new jobs and contribute $13.3 billion to Saudi Arabia’s GDP by the end of the decade. With these objectives, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global leader in gaming and esports by 2030.
The strong performance of the gaming market is driven by several segments, including console games (growing at 8.27%), mobile games (7.29%), and PC games (4.01%). These segments are fueling the expansion, with mobile gaming being a significant contributor to the growth.
Savvy Games and Global Expansion
Savvy Games, a company backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), plays a central role in this transformation. Through strategic investments, the company has expanded Saudi Arabia’s presence in the global gaming market. For instance, its subsidiary, Scopely, ranks as one of the world’s top gaming companies. Scopely’s hit game, Monopoly Go!, earned $3 billion in revenue and was named “Game of the Year” at the 2024 Pocket Gamer Mobile Games Awards.
Additionally, Savvy Games has investments in other gaming companies, such as ESL FACEIT Group and Steer Studio. These acquisitions further cement Saudi Arabia’s presence in the global gaming industry, expanding its influence and market reach.
The Growth of Esports in Saudi Arabia
Esports is another area where Saudi Arabia is seeing rapid growth. In 2024, Riyadh hosted the inaugural Esports World Cup, featuring 1,500 athletes competing in 23 tournaments. With a prize pool of over $60 million, this event highlighted Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global leader in esports. As a result, the Kingdom has become a major player in the competitive gaming scene, positioning itself as a top destination for esports events.
Brian Ward, CEO of Savvy Games, described 2024 as a successful year. He emphasized the company’s consistent progress across all strategic pillars, including game development, esports, and the gaming ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. Ward noted that the Kingdom’s gaming initiatives continue to deliver outstanding products and experiences for both the local and global gaming communities.
Looking Ahead: Future Growth
Saudi Arabia’s gaming market looks poised for continued growth. The government’s investment in gaming infrastructure, talent, and regulation will support this growth. As mobile gaming, 5G adoption, and cloud streaming revolutionize the industry, Saudi Arabia is in a strong position to take advantage of these trends. These innovations will accelerate revenue generation, broaden access, and increase the global appeal of Saudi Arabia’s gaming sector.
The country’s commitment to Vision 2030 will continue to drive long-term growth. Saudi Arabia’s gaming sector is on track to become a key global player, thanks to its clear strategy and strategic investments in the industry.
Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in the gaming industry, capturing 20% of the MENA gaming revenues in 2024. With Vision 2030 guiding its gaming strategy, the Kingdom is well-positioned to lead the global gaming market by 2030. Through investments in key companies and expanding its esports and gaming infrastructure, Saudi Arabia will continue to strengthen its position as a global leader in gaming and esports.
